Non-Fiction Book Writing

Book Structure Patterns

The Problem-Solution Arc

Best for: Business books, self-help, methodology books

Part I: The Problem
  - Chapter 1: The pain point (reader recognition)
  - Chapter 2: Why existing solutions fail
  - Chapter 3: The hidden cause

Part II: The Solution
  - Chapter 4: Introduce your framework
  - Chapter 5-7: Deep dive on each element
  - Chapter 8: Implementation guide

Part III: The Transformation
  - Chapter 9: Case studies / success stories
  - Chapter 10: Your action plan
  - Conclusion: The new reality

The Progressive Mastery Arc

Best for: How-to, educational, skill-building books

Part I: Foundations
  - Chapter 1: Why this matters
  - Chapter 2-3: Core concepts

Part II: Building Skills
  - Chapter 4-7: Progressive techniques
  - Each chapter builds on previous

Part III: Mastery
  - Chapter 8-9: Advanced applications
  - Chapter 10: Putting it all together

The Thematic Arc

Best for: Essay collections, thought leadership, exploration

Introduction: The unifying theme

Chapters 1-10: Independent essays
  - Each explores one facet of theme
  - Can be read in any order
  - Connected by recurring motifs

Conclusion: Synthesis and call to action

Chapter Structure

The AIDA Chapter Formula

Attention: Open with a hook

• Personal story
• Surprising statistic
• Provocative question
• Bold claim

Interest: Build context

• Why this matters
• What’s at stake
• Common misconceptions

Desire: Deliver value

• Core teaching
• Examples and evidence
• Frameworks and tools

Action: Close with clarity

• Key takeaways
• Exercises or reflection
• Bridge to next chapter

Recommended Chapter Length

Image Placeholder Conventions

Syntax

<!-- IMAGE: [Detailed description for image generation] -->

Best Practices

Be Specific:

<!-- IMAGE: A circular diagram showing the 4 phases of the Board Game Test:
1) Define Start State (green), 2) Map Rules (blue), 3) Set Win Condition (gold),
4) Handle Edge Cases (red), with arrows connecting each phase in clockwise order -->

Include Style Cues:

<!-- IMAGE: A minimalist illustration of a person at a crossroads,
business professional style, muted earth tones, metaphor for decision-making -->

Specify Chart Types:

<!-- IMAGE: A horizontal bar chart comparing implementation time (weeks)
for Traditional Approach (12 weeks) vs Board Game Test Approach (4 weeks),
clean business style with teal and gray colors -->

Image Types to Include

1. Conceptual Diagrams: Visualize frameworks and mental models
2. Process Flowcharts: Show step-by-step procedures
3. Comparison Charts: Before/after, this vs that
4. Timeline Graphics: Show progression or history
5. Infographics: Summarize key statistics or lists
6. Metaphor Illustrations: Visual representations of abstract concepts

Placement Guidelines

• After introducing a concept: Reinforce with visual
• Complex processes: Break down with flowchart
• Key frameworks: Make memorable with diagram
• Chapter summaries: Infographic of takeaways
• Aim for 2-4 images per chapter

Writing Voice Guidelines

First Person (“I/We”)

Use when:

• Sharing personal stories
• Establishing authority through experience
• Creating intimacy with reader
• The author is the brand

Example: “When I first discovered this, I was skeptical. But after testing it with 50 clients…”

Second Person (“You”)

Use when:

• Giving direct instructions
• Making content feel personal
• Engaging the reader actively

Example: “You’ve probably experienced this: you walk into a meeting thinking you understand the process, only to discover…”

Third Person (“They/One”)

Use when:

• Academic or formal tone
• Discussing case studies
• Maintaining objectivity

Example: “Organizations that implement this approach typically see…”

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Starting with backstory: Hook first, context after
2. Too much theory, not enough examples: Show, don’t just tell
3. Jargon overload: Define terms, use plain language
4. Uneven chapter lengths: Aim for consistency (±20%)
5. Missing transitions: Bridge sections and chapters
6. No clear takeaways: End every chapter with action items
7. Image afterthought: Plan visuals during outlining

Reference Materials

For additional guidance, see:

• ${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}/templates/chapter-template.md
• ${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}/templates/outline-template.md